May 18 2008
A look at the colonization of Africa
I found this picture on African Echo’s website, and thought it was a little seen break-up of how Africa was divided up by its European colonizers.
It’s kind of cool because I always say Britain as the primary imperialistic country; trying to rule and own the whole world and make it it’s own. Britain is known for its imperialistic history … and for not being the best of colonial masters (granted King Leopold was the worst Africa ever saw).
This picture shows France was also a primary colonizer in Africa, and it also shows lesser known colonial masters like Italy, Belgium (re: King Leopold), Germany, Portugal and Spain. It also show Ethiopia as Independent — the only country not to be colonized (another fact, I think little people know about Africa).
So here’s a mini-history lesson on Africa:
You know, I always thought the Dutch had colonized S. Africa but in reality it was the British?
Interesting
Well, South Africa’s colonial history is a little complex, but basically, the Dutch had more of a trading settlement in S. Africa, but never really set up a colony. They were allowed to keep their “freedom” when the British colonized the area.
And with the Boer War and stuff …
Thing to remember is, while France appears to have a greater geographical proportion of empire in Africa, the British areas tended to be more densely populated – e.g. French West Africa was very sparsely populated while Nigera was very densely populated.
Oh and Ethiopia was at least occupied if not colonised by Italy, but only briefly.
what are you on about “France was also a primary colonizer in Africa” 90% of the french land was uninhabited desert, the british area had the most population and good land.